Piketon, OH—With any investment the lead investor is looking to have the highest return possible, but southern Ohio native, Steve Moore is looking for something better than a financial gain: a change in perspective.
Sitting next to the Scioto River, Piketon has already been undergoing recent improvements with a new boat ramp for easy kayaking access and future plans for a larger seating area for natives to enjoy the scenery at lunch breaks and sunsets. Further, the village itself is undergoing big plans to improve traffic flow, visibility from 23 South for passerby’s to take time to stop in, seasonal farmer’s markets, and more local restaurants to eat.
With a purpose to reimagine what’s possible, it’s fitting one Piketon’s most historical landmark not be knocked down, but modernized. The Piketon Elementary school needed a “serious cleanup—and maybe more,” says investor, Steve Moore. But when the discussion about tearing down the building began, contractors believed demolition would not be in the best interest of the community or even that easy to do based on how well it was constructed.
The Piketon Elementary School currently sits just in sight of Highway 23, has three floors flooded with natural light and character. Upon walking into the building, you’re greeted with a charm of times passed. As if out of a movie set, the elementary school feels like the set for a historical film with its oversized hallways, brick everything, and majestic presence that is simply effortless.
The main level & second floor will be renovated to lease as commercial office space, while the lower level large enough to house 100 people comfortably will be made available to rent to the public to hold community events, forums, and special occasions. Investor, Steve Moore stated that “a space like this needs to be shared, and Piketon is full of good people who will be able to put it to good use. We’re thrilled to offer it to the community, and are looking forward to seeing what new gatherings and ideas this space will entertain.”
Steve Moore has fittingly named the not quite square plot of land the elementary school sits on, The Square at Piketon. To keep the community involved and updated, he has kicked off a website (thesquareatpiketon.com), Instagram (@thesquareatpiketon), Facebook (/thesquareatpiketon), and YouTube (@TheSteveMooreGroup) to document the process of the building’s renovation, while sharing unique history this old elementary school has hidden within it.
On November 7th, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, the entire community is invited to tour the current facility’s progress. Steve Moore will also have a film crew there to document the stories of anyone interested in sharing their childhood memories, history, or knowledge of the elementary school to be shared back with the community on their website & social media channels. The first 100 attendees who show up on November 7th will receive a free t-shirt with The Square at Piketon’s “not quite square” logo.
As the project continues forward, members of the community will be able to take a piece of the elementary school home with them. Using bricks that were removed from the school’s chimney, the construction team will restore & stamp them with a unique date for community members to purchase. All proceeds will go towards The Piketon Project which supports the beautification of Piketon . More information about how to get a brick will be posted on thesquareatpiketon.com and their respective social media outlets.
In the future, this unique plot of land in Piketon has the room to house several commercial opportunities and we are trying to attract health care providers, light manufacturers or other service providers.
“Possibility is spreading in the village of Piketon, and we want to be right there helping lead the way for even more great things that are yet to come,” says Steve Moore.
To learn more about the Piketon elementary school, visit thesquareatpiketon.com.
To contact, reach out to info@thesquareatpiketon.com.
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